The National Children's Advocacy Center on Pratt Avenue is dealing with a cut of more than $300,000 because of the federal ban on Congressional earmarks. (The Huntsville Times file photo)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville is facing a new economic reality in wake of a 2010 ban on federal earmarks that shut down a steady stream of funding for the center that helps abused children.

According to NCAC officials, the center is dealing with a loss of $316,000 annually since the elimination of earmarks that allowed Congress to funnel money to special projects in their districts.

The funding drop comes at a time when the issue of child abuse is perhaps receiving unprecedented national attention in the aftermath of the 2011 scandals involving former coaches at Penn State and Syracuse.

While earmarks oftentimes have a negative connotation, all earmarks should not be equally criticized, said Chris Newlin, executive director of the non-profit NCAC.

"In all the scrutiny of earmarks going on, I would say 'Please, please come scrutinize what we're doing here,' " Newlin said Friday. "I would love for you to say this is a waste of taxpayer money."

The NCAC has provided the model for hundreds of child advocacy centers throughout the country, Newlin said. More than 54,000 child abuse professionals from all 50 states and 20 countries have been trained at the NCAC.

But officials stress the Pratt Avenue campus, co-founded by former U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Huntsville, is also a haven for local child abuse victims. Locally contributed funding goes to help local victims, according to the NCAC. The services provided to victims is also cost-free, Newlin said.

"People who receive our services don't vote, they don't write letters to the editor and they don't get out and protest," Newlin said. "They are kids. It is an impact and we're committed to doing everything we can for each kid who needs our services."

As a result of the lost funding, prevention services have been cut and capacity for medical exams at the NCAC has also been reduced, Newlin said, among other changes.

The scandals at Penn State and Syracuse continue to draw attention to child sex abuse, a "silver lining" in that attention comes in raising awareness, Newlin said.

"As a result of all these more recognized scandals, people say, 'Gosh, that's terrible. What can I do to help?' " Newlin said. "For people to look within their hearts, maybe this is one thing you can do to help."